There are many social ills affecting the Guyanese society, especially the younger segment of the population; and programmes and support services to help address these issues could never be enough. For example, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol; crime, suicide, domestic and other forms of violence; lack of jobs, and so on are having a huge negative impact on communities across Guyana. And now, more than ever, there is need for a genuine, collaborative approach, with inclusive planning and coordination, where volunteerism is a key element to help find practical and lasting solutions to these many ills.
We are well aware that sometimes young people feel there is no end or solution to the problems they are facing, and hence they turn to various forms of anti-social behaviours, thereby creating more challenges for an already burdened society.
While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing these issues, this burden must also be shared by various actors within the society, such as religious groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) etc; since such problems affect everyone.
The most recent is the announcement from Deputy Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Lesley Ramlall, that investigations by his unit have led to the discovery of ecstasy in at least five schools across the country; this is worrying.
Ramlall said that youths in these schools have come forward and admitted to utilising the recreational drug, which has led to the arrest of some persons.
Even though he disclosed that CANU’s investigations have not led to the discovery of the presence of other illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or heroin in schools, he did stress that no further or additional investigation would be mounted without an “invitation” from the Education Ministry, who is being seen as a crucial partner in addressing the current dilemma.
His statements led Vice President and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, to declare that the law enforcement agencies in Guyana were “losing the battle”, as drugs have now found their way into schools across the country.
These revelations are serious by any measure, and must raise the hairs on the skins of all right-thinking and ethically-astute Guyanese. And there must be no efforts spared on the part of the Government, through its Ministries of Public Security, Education, Social Protection, and Health, to take corrective actions where necessary by employing executive measures aimed at equipping both the school system and security sector to deal with the threats and challenges posed by the growth in popularity and usage of ecstasy.
Also, the importance of other stakeholders — such as the Guyana Teachers Union, the school boards, and parents in general — cannot be underplayed, as they will serve as gatekeepers and the first respondents whenever there are worrying signs developing, or cases being found.
If the situation is not arrested, then, in a matter of years, the public security and health sectors will have another major problem on their hands, as research has shown that over a long-term period, ecstasy can have irreparable damage to serotonin neurotransmitters.
Also, the role of the private sector should never be underestimated. There is need for funding for many crucial programmes aimed at creating better opportunities for young persons, and businesses should step up to the challenge. Such programmes, once effectively implemented, would see our children and young people become well equipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves, and in turn contribute to the overall development of the country as a whole.
We believe that if our young people are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting to making more mature and responsible judgments, and engage in activities that are the hallmark of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems must be provided.
